All content of this website including text, images, graphics, sound files, and their arrangement, belongs to Shire and is protected by international copyright laws. All other intellectual property rights are reserved. The content may not be copied
for commercial use or distribution, nor may these objects be downloaded, modified, or posted to other sites.

This site is intended solely for US residents and is governed solely by US laws and government regulations. Please see our privacy notice for more information. While Shire US Inc. makes reasonable efforts to include accurate, up-to-date information on the site, Shire US Inc. makes no warranties or representations as to its accuracy. Shire US Inc. assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the site.

All content of this website including text, images, graphics, sound files, and their arrangement, belongs to Shire and is protected by international copyright laws. All other intellectual property rights are reserved. The content may not be copied
for commercial use or distribution, nor may these objects be downloaded, modified, or posted to other sites.

This site is intended solely for US residents and is governed solely by US laws and government regulations. Please see our privacy notice for more information. While Shire US Inc. makes reasonable efforts to include accurate, up-to-date information on the site, Shire US Inc. makes no warranties or representations as to its accuracy. Shire US Inc. assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the site.

The primary SBS healthcare goal is making sure you absorb the proper amount of nutrition and fluid. After discussing with a doctor, achieving proper nutrition and fluids can include eating, drinking, receiving IV nutrition and/or fluids and tube feeding.

Be sure to talk to your doctor about what would be best for you.

Tube Feeding

Tube feeding, also known as enteral nutrition or EN, delivers nutrients through a feeding tube directly into your stomach or small bowel for those with a partially functioning GI tract. The feeding tubes are passed through the nose, mouth or skin on your abdomen.

Tube feeding helps stimulate your digestive process and provides nutrients at a much slower rate than food taken orally. It can help maintain or improve the absorption power of your remaining bowel, potentially offering enough nutrients and fluid to avoid the use of total parenteral nutrition.

Total Parenteral Nutrition

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN), or total intravenous nutrition, is liquid food delivered through a catheter linked directly to your bloodstream through a large vein in your chest or arm. TPN bypasses your stomach and small intestine to deliver nutrients straight into your blood.

For a closer look at enteral nutrition and parenteral nutrition, talk to your doctor and sign up to receive a copy of A Patient’s Guide to Managing a Short Bowel by Carol Rees Parrish, MS, RD.

For decades, Parenteral Nutrition has been the standard in SBS treatment.

The Physical Challenges of Tube Feeding and TPN

Going from eating and drinking to tube-feeding or TPN can be a difficult and uncomfortable adjustment for your body with a variety of possible complications.

Learning how to sleep, use the bathroom and have sex while hooked up to your equipment can also be trying.

Getting the hang of all of your new medical equipment takes time. Dealing with clogged tubing or managing the pump can pose additional challenges.

You may experience painful irritation at the site of your tube or PICC line (catheter) or skin irritation at the insertion site. Tubes can leak, and bulky tubing can make dressing difficult or show through your clothes.

While these adjustments are difficult to go through, know that you are not alone and many others are going through the same challenges. It can even be helpful to reach out to these people through support groups and foundations.

For more information about these adjustments, utilize the Oley Foundation for helpful resources and always reach out to your doctor with your questions and concerns.

The video below features Kevin, a patient with SBS, describing his personal experience with TPN.

The Emotional and Social Challenges of tube feeding and TPN

There are more than physical challenges that come with tube feeding or parenteral nutrition.

Unfortunately, you may experience emotional and/or social challenges, as well, but know that there are resources available to help you. You can and should reach out to your doctor about these challenges.

Body Image

There are social adjustments that come with tube feeding and TPN. Since most people don’t know much about it, people may make presumptions about you when you are out in public. Your equipment may draw attention and comments. Be aware that people may look at or question you about your equipment when you are out and about. But, know you’re not alone and that there are resources, such as support groups, that can help.

Sometimes, the unpleasant physical changes that come from tube feeding and TPN can create a poor self-image and send people on an emotional roller coaster. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these concerns.

Sex

Your sex life may also be affected by your tube feeding and TPN. If you're single, you may find that dating feels more complicated. You and your partner may be less interested in being intimate or having sex. Either way, a decline in intimacy can be an embarrassing and delicate issue.

For many on tube feeding and TPN, it takes a lot of work to keep sexuality alive. Often, this means a frank discussion about it with your partner or planning out the logistics of how and when to be intimate.

Though doctors may not bring up sexual issues, their support can make a big difference.

Kevin, a patient living with SBS

Getting Help

Regardless of what challenges you face, it’s important to seek out help and support when you need it.

Having the necessary support from family, friends or caregivers can be enormously helpful. Reaching out online to others in a similar situation can offer a sense of support, as well. Remember to always talk to your doctor about any challenges you’re facing.

With support, it may be easier to get back on track when something goes awry. You may also discover that your condition can help build stronger relationships.

Depending on your needs, you may need help from healthcare professionals. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and challenges, and he/she may refer you to specialists like psychologists, enterostomal therapy nurses, dietitians, etc., depending on your specific needs.

My HPN is an online educational tool that provides strategies and resources to become more active in your healthcare. You can find it online by visting Oley.org and searching for "My HPN" on that site.

All content of this website including text, images, graphics, sound files, and their arrangement, belongs to Shire and is protected by international copyright laws. All other intellectual property rights are reserved. The content may not be copied
for commercial use or distribution, nor may these objects be downloaded, modified, or posted to other sites.

This site is intended solely for US residents and is governed solely by US laws and government regulations. Please see our privacy notice for more information. While Shire US Inc. makes reasonable efforts to include accurate, up-to-date information on the site, Shire US Inc. makes no warranties or representations as to its accuracy. Shire US Inc. assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the site.

S37550 04/18

You are leaving ShortBowelSyndrome.com

This link will take you to a website maintained by a third party, who is responsible for its content and privacy policy. Shire does not control the content of non-Shire websites, and this link does not constitute an endorsement by Shire of the site’s content. Our privacy policy does not apply to this site. We encourage you to read the privacy policy of every website you visit.

You are leaving ShortBowelSyndrome.com to learn more about a treatment option

You are about to leave ShortBowelSyndrome.com

All apps and related icons and logos are the property of the developers of the applications. Shire has no ownership or other stake in any application listed above.

These apps are not intended to provide medical advice or treatment. If you need medical advice, please see your health care professional. Selected apps are based on panel members’ reviews of the versions noted. Any updates to the applications after panel review have not been considered.